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logo for the Prizmah conference on February second to fourth, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. A ribbon spanning the bottom right of the image has text reading "I'm presenting!"

Gateways at Prizmah 2025

The Prizmah Conference is the premier gathering of more than 1,000 Jewish day school and yeshiva decision-makers and investors from across North America, facilitated by Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. We’re thrilled to be presenting 4 sessions over the 3-day conference. If you’ll be in attendance, you can connect with us by visiting our exhibitor table and/or participating in one or more of our sessions. We hope to see you there!

Gateways Session Details

Inclusion Requires a Fundamental Shift in Mindset and Culture

Sunday 2/2/2025 | 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Gateways Presenters: Tali Cohen Carrus, Senior Director of Programs and Sharon Goldstein, Director of Day School Programs
Attendees at this session will engage in experiential activities and text study from the Shiluv Program for grades K-5, explore the distinction between the medical and social models of disability, and hear firsthand from a speaker with autism. This is about more than disability awareness; it’s about equipping educators with the tools to drive change, beginning with our youngest learners.

Building a Multi-Tiered System for Supporting Student Behavior

Monday 2/3/2025 | 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Gateways Presenters: Jodi Katz, Behavioral Specialist & Assistant Director of Jewish Education Programs, Ali Shwartz, Mental Health Specialist, and Tali Cohen Carrus, Senior Director of Programs
In this panel discussion, participants will learn about establishing a comprehensive, systemic approach to student behavior that integrates social-emotional learning, responsive strategies, and a defined blueprint for crisis management. Attendees will consider why addressing these components as a synergistic system is essential for fostering an environment that is supportive of and responsive to both students and staff. 

Pritzat Derech: Supporting Dyslexic Students on Their Hebrew Journey

Monday 2/3/2025 | 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Gateways Presenter: Brian Coonley, Director of Professional Learning and Consultation
Roughly 20% of students have dyslexia or other language-based learning issues, hampering Hebrew reading, language learning, and access to sacred texts. This has implications for recruitment, retention, student self-worth, and a host of other classroom and community challenges. An initiative from Gateways, Hebrew at the Center, MaDYK, Prizmah, and Shefa has generated new research, practical applications, a field guide, and a path forward for schools and the field. 

Creating Inclusive Schools Using Whole-School Change

Tuesday 2/4/2025 | 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Gateways Presenters: Brian Coonley, Director of Professional Learning and Consultation and Jennifer Friedberg, Speech-Language Pathologist
Day school leaders recognize the need to support diverse learners. However, many Jewish day schools lack the resources and staff to effectively accommodate all students. Learn about the process of whole-school change using Gateways’ B’Yadenu Toolkit. Discover steps to create more inclusive schools, including identifying areas for improvement, setting goals, implementing professional development, and establishing a cycle of continuous refinement.